Lehigh Valley population is growing

According to Census data, 50 percent of U.S. residents live in the largest 146 of those counties. Here are the top 10.

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The Lehigh Valley, which consists of both Lehigh and Northampton counties, is experiencing a population increase according to the latest monthly census data released.

Apparently, much of the population flow is coming from right across the Delaware River, because population in both Hunterdon and Warren counties in New Jersey are declining.

This is the third straight year that this trend has continued, as reported by the US Census Bureau. All four counties saw births outpace deaths, and the population trend appears to be tied directly to migrations; more people moving out of the New Jersey counties into the Pennsylvania region.

With higher property taxes in Jersey, and little business growth leading to employment stagnation more people are inclined to move. Meanwhile, the Lehigh Valley ranked number in two in the nation in attracting new business, Allentown has potentially a $1 billion in economic development on the table, and Bethlehem was just approved as a Community Revitalization and Improvement Zone.

By having many new large employers with steady job increases, reduced taxes and lower cost housing available, it is easier to see why citizens on the New Jersey side are looking across the river to the Lehigh Valley as the place to relocate.

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Edward Carter has more than 10 years' consulting experience for an investment bank firm on Wall Street. He has an MBA with additional degrees in management and technology. He has sat on the board of directors for two technology start-up companies.